2017.05.24 Boys Soccer: Park View @ Heritage, Conf. 21B Final

Leesburg, VA (May 24, 2017) – When the Park View Patriots visited the Heritage Pride for last year's conference final they launched their voyage to the 4A state championship. Almost exactly one year later, for which team would this rematch provide a similar boost?

Almost before the fans could settle into their soggy bleacher seats, Heritage's Gabe Splett scored on a breakaway goal to give the Pride a sudden lead. But five minutes later, Park View's Jeison Henriquez equalized, and for the rest of the half the Patriots maintained possession in the Heritage end of the field. Only solid Pride defense kept Park View from taking the lead before halftime.

As the second half opened, Heritage again struck early. From about thirty yards out on the right flank Ryan Pyyszka crushed a free kick inside the near post to put his team up, 2-1. With that goal the momentum switched to a more balanced run of play with both teams getting limited chances.

It looked as if the Pride had it sewn up with a goal from Eddy Morales at the fifteen minute mark, but the Patriots closed the gap with three minutes to play when Henry Guzman scored a late goal. Those last few minutes were frantic, but Heritage held on for the win and the title.

Final score: Heritage 3 - Park View 2.

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